The constant wave of headlines about the US government and politics reveals a country divided and in crisis. The erosion of freedoms, the pace of change and the shutting down of dissenting voices fill many with fear and uncertainty. This is where musicians can give voice to their concerns and use their songs as a means to influence others and affect change. In the glorious tradition of protest folk songs, the latest single from Mike and Amy Aiken, entitled ‘Just Our Price to Pay’, seeks to highlight the damage being done to democracy and to a proud nation and people. In response to the situation, Mike got together with fellow Virginian Michael Glass, and they set out to write a song that would enable them to vent their frustrations and share their worries for the future.
Mike Aiken explains: “‘Just Our Price to Pay’ was written out of a need to support others who are losing their freedoms and way of life, and a need to lend a voice, support and solidarity to people who are being disenfranchised daily by their own government. In the tradition of singer/songwriters like Woody Guthrie, Neil Young, the Chicks and Bruce Springsteen, Amy and I believe that a songwriter can help affect change through verbalising what others may not be able to.”
The concerns are current, so the Aikens and Glass wanted to release the song as soon as possible. With the support of engineer and producer Andrew Piland in Nashville, they swiftly tracked the song and then enlisted like-minded friend Annie Johnson to create the accompanying video. They opted for a lyric video in order to reinforce the song’s powerful message.
Mike and Amy Aiken are sea captain troubadours who have travelled more than 30,000 in their boat, from Nova Scotia to Europe and on to the Caribbean and beyond. They sail the seas, writing, recording, performing and sharing their music, which is in turn inspired by the stories and characters they have met along the way. It is this independent and adventurous spirit that informs their songwriting.
